It's a wrap for "Project Runway" Season 14 last Thursday, Nov. 5, and Ashley Nell Tipton was crowned as the winner. Ashley beat out fellow finalists Candice Cuoco, Kelly Dempsey and Edmond Newton in a historic moment for the show. Here's the rundown of the finale:
All four contestants are back in the drawing board as the judges had critiques for all of them in the previous episode. New York Fashion Week is fast approaching and the designers rush to complete their 10-piece collections. Mentor Tim Gunn remind them of the judges' comments. Kelly needs to jazz it up, Candice needs to tone down the drama, Ashley needs to work on the fit and details, and Edmond needs to bring sexiness to his dresses.
Finally, the big day comes. Aboard their sponsored Lexus cars, the four finalists head to NYFW. Carrie Underwood joins Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum in the panel as guest celebrity judge.
Kelly's designs walk the runway first. Her models exude a glamorous laidback style, with big hair, glitter make up and bedazzled accessories.
Edmond's collection features show-stopper dresses, with big ruffles and dramatic bows in mostly white, black and blue.
Next, Candice reveals her avant-garde designs, in dramatic leather and lace.
Finally, Ashley makes fashion history by sending all plus-size models down the ramp. This is the first time in NYFW that a designer's entire show is geared towards the full-figured. Her clothes are dainty and sexy, with soft fabric and floral details.
After the fashion show, the judges give their comments.
They like Kelly's glittery pieces and Posen praises her for "really going for it."
Klum tells Edmond that she loves the sexy pieces in his collection, but doesn't appreciate the bigger gowns. Underwood disagrees and applauds Edmond's classic but sexy glamour appeal.
As for Candice, the judges give her positive comments for her silhouettes, but think that it's still way too much.
Garcia calls Ashley's collection "unexpected, courageous, and brave," and all the other judges agree.
Finally, the big decision is announced, and Candice and Edmond are first to be eliminated. it's down to Kelly and Ashley--the two designers with contrasting styles. The judges announce Ashley's name for the win, making her the first plus-size designer to win the contest.
LOVED the collection, #DesignerAshley! It perfectly embodied your heart! #ProjectRunway pic.twitter.com/LxcnqlxXl5
— Project Runway (@ProjectRunway) November 6, 2015
The 24-year-old designer receives $100,000 to launch her own fashion line, a 2015 Lexus, and a fashion spread in Marie Claire.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Ashley gushed about her triumph. "It's so amazing to be able to hold that title. I mean I always wanted to [show a plus-size collection], but I never thought this is the way it would happen," she said. "I wanted to prove to them that this is my niche and I can perfect it, that this is what I do."
Ashley has relaunched her website and is preparing for her first line. "We're in the beginning stages of negotiating deals with big-name companies right now. There's going to be a lot of Ashley in the next couple months. It's only up from here," she said.
